Standards & Codes

The foundational electrical safety code adopted by most US jurisdictions governing electrical wiring and equipment installation.

Technical standards for HVAC&R design, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality, widely adopted by building codes.

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code published by the International Code Council (ICC) that establishes minimum requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. It is a comprehensive, stand-alone code combining building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy conservation, and electrical provisions for residential construction.

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code published by the International Code Council (ICC) that establishes minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. It applies to the design, construction, and occupancy of most buildings except detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, which are covered by the IRC.

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a model code published by the International Code Council (ICC) that establishes minimum requirements for plumbing systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It sets standards for the design, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems to protect public health, sanitation, and safety.

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) is a model code published by the International Code Council that establishes minimum requirements for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It governs the design, installation, and safety of HVAC, ventilation, exhaust, and refrigeration systems in buildings.

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is a model plumbing code developed and published by IAPMO that sets minimum requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of plumbing systems to protect public health and safety. It is developed through an ANSI-accredited consensus process and is the only U.S. plumbing code designated as an American National Standard.

NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) are model codes published by the National Fire Protection Association that set requirements for fire prevention, hazard management, and life safety in buildings and structures. They are widely adopted by state and local jurisdictions across the United States and reference more than 130 other NFPA codes and standards.

Federal workplace safety standards specifically for the construction industry covering fall protection, scaffolding, excavation, and more.

Federal regulation requiring certification for technicians who handle refrigerants in HVAC systems.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program offers voluntary 10-hour and 30-hour courses that teach workers to recognize, avoid, abate, and prevent common job-related safety and health hazards. The 10-hour course targets entry-level workers, while the 30-hour course is intended for supervisors and workers with some safety responsibility.

A federal EPA regulation requiring firms and individual renovators to be certified and to follow lead-safe work practices when performing renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities, and preschools built before 1978. The rule aims to minimize exposure to hazardous lead-based paint dust and reduce childhood lead poisoning.

Federal regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, governing the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and motor carriers. They set requirements for commercial driver's licenses, hours of service, vehicle safety, and motor carrier registration.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, set the minimum technical and scoping requirements for accessible new construction and alterations of facilities covered under Titles II and III.

The most widely used green building rating system, certifying the design, construction, and operation of high-performance buildings.

Government-backed program certifying energy-efficient products, homes, and buildings.

The industry-standard score for residential energy efficiency, governed by RESNET.

Professional certifications for home energy auditing and building-performance contracting.

The leading certification for solar PV, energy storage, and clean-energy installers.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) is a U.S. trade association founded in 1883 that represents plumbing and HVACR contractors through advocacy, education, and training. It serves approximately 3,300 member businesses and 65,000 technicians via a network of affiliated state and local chapters.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the U.S. trade association representing the electrical contracting industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. Founded in 1901, it serves electrical contractors via a network of local chapters and a national office in Washington, D.C.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is the national trade association representing HVACR contracting businesses and professionals across the United States. It develops ANSI-approved quality standards for the design, installation, maintenance, and verification of HVAC systems, including the widely used Manual J, Manual D, and Manual S.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association founded in 1950 that advances and defends the merit shop philosophy, representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and related firms across the United States.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is a leading national trade association for the commercial construction industry, representing general contractors, specialty contractors, and industry service providers. Founded in 1918, it advocates for the industry and provides education, safety, and business resources to its members.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a U.S. trade association dedicated exclusively to professional remodelers. It provides certifications, a Code of Ethics, education, and networking for residential and commercial remodeling contractors.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is one of the construction industry's most respected trade associations and a leading authority in the roofing industry, representing all segments of the roofing trade. Founded in 1886, it serves as the voice of roofing professionals for information, education, technology, and advocacy.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is a national trade association representing more than 3,000 firms in the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, mechanical systems, and HVACR service industries. It provides its member contractors with education, training, labor-management resources, and industry tools.

SMACNA is an international trade association representing sheet metal and HVAC duct contracting firms, best known for developing widely referenced technical standards such as the HVAC Duct Construction Standards. It provides its members with education, technical standards development, labor relations, and industry advocacy.

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is a national, nonprofit trade association representing construction subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers. It advances members' interests through advocacy, education, networking, and professional growth.